When bloggers ask me to review their blogs, I don’t consider it reviewing in the normal sense. I see it as introducing blogs to readers, who, may never have come across a particular blog through normal methods.
My primary audience are US readers and, the 2 reviews I am writing, (this review and one additional), will bring international bloggers to the forefront. Today’s blog, the Øblog, written by Øyvind hails from Norway. One aspect of blogging, we learn from each other, no matter where we live in the world. The Øblog is no exception.
Øyvind manages to show his country in a light not often seen. Be it pictures, (gorgeous pictures and one piece of his blog I love), through his writing and his explanation of the origins of his name. How many of us can say we know where/who we came from? (For the record, after reading, I became more interested, since my mother’s family migrated from Norway to Scotland). I don’t often link to the first post I read, but this time, I had to, simply because it fascinated me. He climbed what is called The Stolz in 25 minutes. That’s 800 steps. I’d still be sitting on step, oh 30, waiting for a lift.
The blog offers a little of everything. From life in Norway, technology, genealogy, DC projects he’s interested in, (Distributed Computing- think the Seti Project), even plugins and WordPress. Excellent layout, fast load time and easy navigation. My favorite posts, though, are the wonderful pictures, shops, landscapes-his home. This is what blogging should be-showing the world where you come from, your world and the Øblog accomplishes this easily.
You don’t have to pay money to take a trip around the world- read blogs, such as the Øblog and you feel as if you’re visiting. Worth the visit-and the read.
Blog Review: The Øblog.
Linky Love, Saturday Edition #2
Linky Love Saturday
- Coloraddiction Blog-If you’re in search of gorgeous bead-work and jewelry, this is the blog to read. I am by far not a crafty person and her work is absolutely gorgeous. Kind of makes me a tad jealous-I don’t have the patience to sit down and make something with my own two hands-believe me, I can’t even cross-stitch.
- Telecommuting Journal-Want to learn the ins and outs of working from home? Read the Telecommuting Journal. She provides tips and resources if working from home is something you’re considering.-(I really need to keep up with this site).
- Graffiti and Street Art Blog-Today’s theme seems to be artsy blogs and Paul Baines, who owns the blog, is one of the most talented artists I’ve seen in some time. I normally don’t read/view art blogs, but you have to look at his work.
- A Postcard A Day-A brilliant idea and I wasn’t aware so many people collected postcards, or even sent them anymore. Sheila, the blog owner, posts one postcard a day-scenes from places around the world, for the most part- which reminds me, I should send her one from good ol’ West Virginia.
- Thirty-Something-Believe me, being thirty-something, is a subject close to my heart. Erin, the owner of the site, discusses issues we all deal with in our 30s-aging parents, family issues- you name it. A blog I can relate to and I’m positive many of you will as well.
Tomorrow, 5 more high-quality blogs for your viewing pleasure- don’t miss out.
Entrecard Bans Most Members From Forums-So Much For “Transparency.”
Entrecard: Give and take and take and take...
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Linky Love- Sunday Edition #1
Linky Love Sunday
To start, today I have selected the first 5 blogs who purchased ad space, (with credits), and who contacted me in time to list their sites. Quality blogs, folks- no spammy, half-arsed writing to be found.
- Nice 2 All-A MUST read if you own a self-hosted WordPress blog. Lyndi was the first person to take a chance and buy a spot and her blog was the first from CMF I added to my feed reader. From free WordPress themes, to tips and tricks to make your blogging experience more efficient, her site is one of the best resources I have come across.
- Canucklehead-Nuckie, as I will refer to him from this point forward, is Canadian. Don’t hold it against him, because this dude receives more traffic for Stumbled posts of naked chicks, (not really), than anyone I know. Humor is the key to his blog-and thank goodness I finally found someone who is as sick and twisted as myself when it comes to finding pictures of-well, odd in nature. If you want a good laugh- take a look at his blog. All you need is a case of beer and a few hours- browse the “Look” section-trust me, you’ll crack up.
- Photos From Red Pine Mountain-Feel like browsing gorgeous pictures taken from a 300 acre mountain-top farm? Look no further- horses, beautiful scenery, the “kids” (the doggies), Mountain Woman shared her view with all of us. I need to remind myself to buy a memory card for my video/digital camera so I can show her what mountains really are! Wonderful blog and again, another must “look” in my book.
- Life In The Short Lane-To start with, I adore the name of Margo’s blog and I’m slightly jealous that I didn’t think of it first. Such a great sense of humor in her writing style- plus, now get ready folks because I am totally joining her, she has started a “What I’m Not Buying This Weekend,” meme type thingie. I will confess- I am a shopping addict, when I have money. Now, I can save by not buying online. Margo- please help me with my handbag/purse obsession. An intervention-anything-oh and- I would “not” buy the yellow dress, if I had the boobs to fill it out. Go read her blog- great, writing style and hey- you could save money, too.
- Ken Armstrong Writing Stuff-Oh, Ken, what to say, what to say. I heart his blog-and him and we’ve never met, since he lives in, well Ireland, but I can heart him anyway. Such a great guy to joke with, (and he gets my sense of humor, at least most of the time, I hope), he pole dances and I fluff his pillows. I have a confession to make-he’s also the best writer/storyteller I have read since I began blogging. If you want to read a blog where the first sentence of the post grabs your attention- read his. I’m not saying this because I’m his fluffer of pillows, either. He truly has a tremendous gift.
- Top Ten Blog Tips-Last, but certainly not least, Ben, one of the co-founders of CMFAds.com and a developer. Not only does Ben know what he’s doing when it comes to running a social/blog promotion site, but he knows blogging as well. This guy will go above and beyond to help any blogger- and I’m not saying this to suck up- he takes blogging seriously. He welcomed me when I joined CMF, as he does every single blogger. Have a question? Ask. More importantly, read his blog. Need tips on blogging and how to get the most out of the experience? One of the best sources, without all the crap other bloggers write. I heart Ben as well, although, he doesn’t pole dance.
This concludes the first edition of Linky Love. The next post will be up Tuesday, or Wednesday. I encourage everyone to check out the blogs I have listed today. At a time when bloggers are more concerned with niches, receiving traffic, or making money, it’s very difficult to find those of us who know what blogging should be-sharing our lives, a few laughs and interacting with people from all over the world.
